Poets Tackle Irregular Migration at Benin World Poetry Day

Poets and literary enthusiasts in Benin City, Edo State, have gathered at City Café in Government Reserved Area (GRA) to commemorate World Poetry Day, with a focus on addressing irregular migration through creative expression.

The event, organised by the Benin Writers Society, brought together stakeholders in the literary and creative sectors to explore how poetry can be used as a tool for advocacy and social change.

In his opening remarks, the president of the society, Douglas Ogbankwa, traced the origin of the association and emphasised the importance of World Poetry Day as a platform for driving conversations around societal issues.

He noted that poetry remains a powerful medium for shaping narratives and influencing public perception on critical matters such as migration.

A key highlight of the event was a thematic discussion titled “Muses Against Irregular Migration,” where speakers examined the dangers associated with unsafe migration routes and the need for increased awareness.

Contributors, including migration experts and educationists, stressed that beyond policy interventions, storytelling and poetry could help humanise the experiences of migrants and discourage risky journeys.

The panel further noted that poetry has the capacity to evoke empathy, challenge misinformation, and inspire action, particularly among young people who are often the most affected by migration pressures.

They called for stronger collaboration between creatives, government agencies, and institutions to amplify advocacy efforts through art.

The event also featured a poetry competition centred on the theme, with participants presenting thought-provoking pieces that reflected the realities and consequences of irregular migration.

Winners emerged after a keen contest, receiving recognition for their ability to blend artistic expression with social consciousness.

The celebration concluded with renewed calls to integrate literature into advocacy campaigns, as participants agreed that poetry, beyond entertainment, remains a vital instrument for education, engagement, and social transformation.